In this blog, the UK’s leading children’s charity, the NSPCC, offer their tips on keeping your child safe online this summer holiday.
As well as making sure your child is safe when leaving them home alone (read our recent blog), there are also other areas worth considering to help keep your child safe this summer holiday.
So much has changed since the NSPCC was founded in 1884, including how we communicate. The rise of the internet and social media have drastically changed the landscape for young people today, as they provide children with exciting and vibrant platforms to learn, communicate and have fun. But these platforms also come with potential risks.
As parents, we can take steps to protect our children online, including introducing parental controls and learning more ourselves about online gaming. But in order for children to be aware of online dangers, it is important to have conversations with them about staying safe online. Talking to children about the online world will make them more aware of the benefits of the internet, as well as the dangers and how to recognise if something’s not right. You can do this by doing activities and using resources about online safety. with your child. You can also learn more about online safety practices, by reading the NSPCC’s online safety advice, understanding how you can report online safety concerns, or even talking to an NSPCC Helpline practitioner if you want to talk through a concern with a specialist.
Read more about keeping children safe online in our Safer Internet Day blog.
To report any concerns about a child’s safety this summer holiday, including online concerns, you can contact the NSPCC Helpline by email or by phoning 0808 800 5000.
It’s vital that we all play our part in keeping children safe – whether that is at home and online. In our 230 years in business, children have been at the heart of everything we do. Learn more about our partnership with the NSPCC or head over to their website for more advice and support in keeping children safe from abuse and neglect.
Author: Stacey, published 25-07-2022.